Numa With Lycurgus (Comparison)
Plutarch's Comparison of Numa with Lycurgus is a short essay in which he compares and contrasts the lives and careers of two famous lawgivers: Numa Pompilius of Rome (c. 753–673 BC) and Lycurgus of Sparta (c. 8th century BC).
Both Numa and Lycurgus were credited with reforming the laws and customs of their respective cities. Numa is said to have established the Roman religious calendar and created many of the Roman priesthoods. Lycurgus is said to have created the Spartan constitution and established many of the Spartan customs, such as the Krypteia and the Syssitia.
However, Numa and Lycurgus also had their differences. Numa is said to have been a peaceful and religious man, while Lycurgus is said to have been a stern and militaristic figure. Numa is said to have used religious persuasion to reform the Romans, while Lycurgus is said to have used force and coercion to reform the Spartans.
In the end, Numa and Lycurgus were both successful in reforming their respective cities. However, their reforms were based on very different principles. Numa's reforms were based on the power of religion, while Lycurgus's reforms were based on the power of the state.
Here is a table comparing and contrasting Numa and Lycurgus:
| Characteristic | Numa | Lycurgus |
|---|---|---|
| Approach to reform | Peaceful and religious | Stern and militaristic |
| Use of persuasion | Used religious persuasion to reform the Romans | Used force and coercion to reform the Spartans |
| Basis of reform | Power of religion | Power of the state |
Plutarch's Comparison of Numa with Lycurgus is a thought-provoking and insightful essay that explores the different approaches to reform taken by two of the most famous lawgivers in ancient history. It is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in learning more about the ancient world.
It is important to note that Plutarch's Comparison of Numa with Lycurgus is a work of literature, not history. Plutarch was not a historian, and he was more interested in exploring moral and philosophical themes than in providing accurate historical accounts. Therefore, his comparison of Numa and Lycurgus should be read with a critical eye.